20 When, past all offerings to Feretrian Jove, He Mars deposed and arms to gowns made yield, Successful counsels did him soon approve As fit for close intrigues as open field. 21 To suppliant Holland he vouchsafed a peace, 22 Fame of the asserted sea, through Europe blown, 23 No sooner was the Frenchman's cause embraced 24 When absent, yet we conquered in his right: Yet still the fair designment was his own. 25 For from all tempers he could service draw; And, as the confident of Nature, saw How she complexions did divide and brew: 26 Or he their single virtues did survey That were the rule and measure to the rest. 27 When such heroic virtue Heaven sets out, The stars, like Commons, sullenly obey, Because it drains them, when it comes about, And therefore is a tax they seldom pay. 28 From this high spring our foreign conquests flow 29 He made us freemen of the Continent Whom nature did like captives treat before, To nobler preys the English Lion sent, And taught him first in Belgian walks to roar. 30 That old unquestioned pirate of the land, Proud Rome, with dread the fate of Dunkirk heard, And trembling wished behind more Alps to stand, Although an Alexander were her guard. 31 By his command we boldly crossed the Line, 32 Such was our Prince, yet owned a soul above Thus poor mechanic arts in public move, 33 Nor died he when his ebbing fame went less, 34 His latest victories still thickest came, As near the centre motion does increase; Till he, pressed down by his own weighty name, Did, like the Vestal, under spoils decease. 35 But first the Ocean as a tribute sent That giant-prince of all her watery herd; And the Isle, when her protecting Genius went, Upon his obsequies loud sighs conferred. 36 No civil broils have since his death arose, As winds for halcyons when they breed at sea. 37 His ashes in a peaceful urn shall rest; His name a great example stands to show How strangely high endeavours may be blessed Where piety and valour jointly go. ASTRÆEA REDUX. A POEM ON THE HAPPY RESTORATION AND RETURN OF HIS SACRED MAJESTY CHARLES THE SECOND. 'Jam redit et Virgo, redeunt Saturnia regna?-VIRGIL, [Eclog. iv. 6.] |